Mayor’s ‘water world’ a waste of money, resident says

After reading the article regarding the feasibility study for a township water park (Sentinel, Dec. 5), I find it ironic that Mayor Debra Johnson would be using terms such as "b.s." and "moronic" to describe the results of the aforementioned study. Ironic in the sense that these very words were on the lips and minds of fiscally conservative voters such as myself, particularly when one remembers the funds to pay for this folly were derived through a bond ordinance — an ordinance approved by the entire council, save the lone dissenting vote of "nay" by Councilman Ted Van Hessen. Such a trivial waste of taxpayer money is only a single example of this predominately Democratic council.

And now, to negotiate a continuance of this study with Atlantic Recreation is surely nothing less than total ignorance of what’s best for township residents. Perhaps Mayor Johnson, along with the rest of the Democratic council members, is "blatantly trying to slight us" by building an opportunity to be forever remembered as the mayor who gave us a "water world" — that is, the "Debra Johnson Wonderful World of Recreation."

I would hope council members and, in particular, mayor-elect Frank Gambatese, will take a moment and reconsider which municipal services their focus should be on — fire prevention and the ability to respond to fires; police and the means to protect the residents of this township, while minimizing the risk to those who do so; emergency medical services and equipping those volunteers who so graciously serve us, willingly and free of charge; trash collection and recycling; and our road department.

These are just some of the things that affect our daily lives. Staying focused on these issues and accomplishing them in a financially responsible manner will leave recreation funds in the pockets of taxpayers, right where they belong.

Mark S. Halmo

Dayton section of South Brunswick